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Akerris' Survival Plan
Incomplete
Though I really don't like to use the word plan, I do think it's important to recognize my capabilities and update my situation as needed. My wife is the one who plans things. I would love to run across an AK-47 but I'm not planning on it!
Equipment: All of these things in this list I currently own.Some of these items are more necessary than others. Depending on the scenario, many will be left behind.
Armor- Protection is paramount, and armor in the face of the undead is not quaint, it's wise.
Arms: Any swordsman will tell you, that in any sort of sparring situation, your hands and arms are the most likely to be struck. While these strikes would not likely be lethal, even a small cut or gash can impede one's ability to continue fighting. In the case of zombies, since humans instinctively put arms out to protect themselves, these will also be vulnerable areas. Protecting the arms is paramount in protecting the self as a whole.
Armor Grade Leather Bracers- These bracers fill a sort of middle ground. They provide a great deal of forearm protection while leaving the hands free. However, lacing them properly requires time and is much easier with the assistance of another pair of hands.
Armor Grade Leather Gauntlets- These gauntlets provide excellent protection to the forearms and hands. They can be donned in about a minute without assistance by buckling three small leather belt straps. They can impede manual dexterity since the gauntlets are mitten gauntlets and force the fingers to move with the rest of the hand joint. However, this can be overcome in certain situations by simply removing the fingers from the three leather loops under the articulated hand joint.
Fencing gloves- These gloves can provide minimal protection to the hands and wrists while providing some warmth. While somewhat not suited to some fine motor skills these gloves can be donned and removed in a matter of seconds. Storage is easy since they can fold flat or be tucked into a belt or pocket.
Head/Face: Head protection is likely more important for the general dangers in zombie survival other than zombies. Most modern military helmets were designed to deflect shrapnel and protect wearers from falling dirt, rocks, bullet casings, and other unpleasant objects. Facial coverings will help keep infected material out out of exposed orifices. While my current facial protection is lacking, it will be one of those items I'll actively be searching for.
Swiss Army Helmet- This helmet has a slight resemblance to Late WWI-WWII German helmets and even modern Kevlar helmets at least in shape. The bill of the helmet juts out providing some shade and the back is swept out providing shade and protection to the neck. The helmet is steel, though two ventilation holes on the top prevent it from being used as a cooking vessel like WWII US helmets. The color is black though I've put several painted logos on one side. This can be corrected, if need be, with black spray paint or some sort of cloth cover.
Protective Eye Wear- At the moment this is simply a pair of protective glasses that I take to the firing range. Though not perfect, it's better than nothing.
Bandannas- Used to wrap around mouth and nose. While not providing the best protection from stray fluids it does provide a barrier of sorts. Bandannas can also be used for a myriad of other tasks.
Legs: Leg protection is important to prevent the random crawling zombie from biting at the ankles as well as dealing with random environmental hardships.
Frye Boots- These boots come up to the calf and are made of leather. Maintaining is as simple as a small bottle of clear polish. Though the rubber on the heel is slowly wearing away they could be replaced with a small amount of effort, even in the post survival world. The heels are fairly solid and could possibly crush a human skull with a hard stomp.
Weapons-
Firearms: Guns revolutionized combat by putting a powerful projectile into the hands of someone who usually required a minimal amount of training and strength compared to a bow. These weapons have evolved from unwieldy miniature cannons to high tech instruments of destruction. A survivor's firearm might be the most singular piece of equipment in their inventory.
Mosin Nagant 91/30- Designed by Sergei Mosin and Leon Nagant in 1891 for the Imperial Russian Military, this rifle and its variants served in many armed conflicts, most famously in WWI and WWII.
Firing a 7.62x54r cartridge at speeds around 2800 feet per second, this powerful rifle is both accurate and deadly. However, the 7.62x54r round possesses in almost every form corrosive elements. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent rust.
The 91/30 is the most common variant. The infantry model has a straight bolt, five round fixed magazine, and often carries a detachable spike bayonet. The sights can be set to 2km but most set the rifle's effective range to about 600 meters.
Currently I have around 200 rounds for my 91/30, fifty of which are on stripper clips. While using the stripper clips effectively takes practice, it does speed up loading time significantly.
Overall the Mosin Nagant is both simple and durable, setting the standard for many other Russian firearms that would follow in its footsteps.
Close Combat Weapons: While close combat is not ideal, it may become necessary. Though this is the most dangerous form of effectively combating the undead, it is the form of combat I am most accustomed to.
Mosin Nagant Spike Bayonet- This foot long spike is one of the most iconic of bayonets, given its unique dimensions and use in Soviet propaganda. This cross sectioned spike is perfectly designed to penetrate a human skull making it a great coup de grace sort of weapon. Bayonets can also be used to deliver targeted shots at close range. Though bayonet wounds have been uncommon in modern warfare, the Mosin Nagant bayonet leaves particularly nasty wounds which are hard to recover from compared with a knife or sword bayonet.
The bayonet is also an effective tool. The point can easily be used as an impromptu flat head screwdriver, and the shape of the bayonet lends it to be used as a tent stake.
"Spawn" Bastard Sword- This broad bladed hand and a half sword is one of my finest tools of destruction. The blade is high carbon steel while he guard and pommel are bronze. The handle is made from Kudu horn which actually provides a very solid grip on the blade.
The sword weighs about 3-4 lbs although this is offset in combat by being almost perfectly balanced at the hilt. This means that the weight of the blade and hilt, most of which is in the pommel, finds a balance point at the guard making the blade's use easier.
The length of the blade is 33" and the width at the hilt is about 2.5". The blade is fairly sharp and weighty making it a great tool against zombies or humans in close combat.
Gurkha Kukri- This fighting knife is the most useful tool in my arsenal. The kukri is approximately 14" long and weighs about 2lbs. The blade's cutting ability comes from the general weight of the blade along with the recurve shape. Recurve blades like the falcata were designed to break helmets and hack limbs, making the design ideal for splitting into a human skull.
As a tool, the kukri can essentially be used in the same way as a hatchet and to some extent as a machete. The kukri is capable of clearing thick brush, chopping kindling, and sharpening branches to a fine point. The latter use can be vital in making improvised weapons or in building a defensive perimeter.
The sheath has a loop for a belt built right in so transporting the blade is fairly simple.
Folding Knife- This was my grandfather's knife he used while hiking. It has a leather sheath which is easily transportable and can be put on a belt. The blade is about 4" long and is razor sharp. Though it was probably purchased in the 70's this knife is well on its way to becoming an excellent antique. Compared to many modern folding knives it is superior in construction and performance.
Thudd JR- This is my hickory club. It's pretty basic, but it's a good weapon for me to hand out to some poorly trained survivor. Heck, I might find myself using it!
Clothing- This should never be taken for granted in a survivor's inventory. Choosing the right clothes to wear can be essential to survival. Also, how many naked zombies do you end up seeing in the movies? There's usually one per movie. You don't want to be that guy!
Head/Neck: Keeping your head covered can make a huge difference in the world of survival. It can keep sweat from dripping into your eyes in the Summer, and keep your body temperature up in the winter.
Military Winter Hat- This hat has straps which can cover the ears and is by far the warmest hat I own. The straps can be put up on cooler occasions, but overall it works great for harsh seasonal conditions.
Extra Winter Hat- Having a spare is always good, especially for something this small/important.
Bandannas- Once again these simple squares of fabric show their multitude of uses. When I used to play roller hockey, I would wear one to add some extra padding to my helmet, and to keep sweat from rolling into my eyes.
Scarves- I'll be bringing two since they can be used for several tasks. One is a thick striped scarf, the other was hand knit by my wife. Both are very warm but the knit one is dark gray, and going for muted colors is best.
Torso: Keeping your core warm/cool is important to maintaining a proper body temperature.
Swiss Great Coat- This coat is perfect for fall/winter and sometimes spring. Though lighter than some coats I own, I plan on layering. The buttons allow the coat to be worn in several different ways from fully buttoned to open. The coat is probably some wool mixture, but I can tell you it is great at keeping the weather out. I've used it as a blanket as well.
Wool Sweater- The key to staying warm lies in this sweater. Hand knit from 100% Scottish wool, this has kept me warm in the most extreme Maryland winters.
Thermal Undershirt- Simple white undershirt. Comfortable for cool temperatures.
Fleece Pullover- Thin but warm. Good for layering.
Button up cotton shirt- Light spring/summer wear.
2x tank top shirts- Undershirts for hot weather/sleep.
Long Sleeve Underarmor Shirt- Worth every penny. Good for athletic activity in cold weather.
Hands: When your hands are cold, everything sucks.
Winter gloves- These gloves have leather lining on the underside so they're fairly tough.
Fingerless gloves- Despite making me look like a hobo, these gloves allow me to keep my hands warm while performing tasks that require manual dexterity.
Lower body: Lower extremities are just as important to keep warm or cool, nothing worse than having frigid legs.
Jeans- Good for multiple seasons, durable, lots of pockets.
Wool Slacks- Though looking more appropriate for an office, they're the right material to keep the weather somewhat at bay.
Thermal Long Johns- More weather preventing clothing.
Athletic Pants- For sleep/especially hot days.
Hiking Socks x3- For $10 a pair there are few things better. Warm in the winter, ventilated in the summer. Better than cotton socks any day.
Boxers x 5- I had a friend who hiked commando once. It was the last time. Underwear makes life better.
Belts x3- Useful as tourniquet, wearing utility items, and keeping your pants up.
Tools/Necessities-
Tools: It will be necessary to use tools for one thing or another. Being stuck without them in certain situations will mean certain death.
Crescent Wrench- Great standard tool. Useful for a multitude of tasks including cracking someone's skull if need be.
Box Cutter- Having a razor sharp blade can be very useful. Replacement blades can be found in most hardware stores.
Mini Tool Kit- This small box has some basic tools including: Needle nosed pliers, wire cutter, and several small screwdrivers all contained in a 5"x3" x1" box.
Zip Ties- From securing a hanging light to handcuffs, these things are invaluable.
Hammer- Tool and weapon. More portable than a crowbar.
Can Opener- You're going to feel really stupid if you packed all of this **** and forgot the can opener.
Cast Iron Skillet- Worth the weight. Durable, easy to clean, and can cook over an open fire.
Matches- Fire is important for morale and cooking.
Toiletries: Sanitation and hygiene are important despite what some computer nerds may think. I've yet to find a rash or infection any fun whatsoever.
Aspirin/Ibuprofen- Pain relievers are excellent, especially when traveling or physically exerting yourself.
NyQuil- Sometimes curing consciousness is all you need.
Tums- Heartburn sucks, and when I get stressed I get heartburn.
Cotton Swabs- Try living without these for a month. Gets pretty uncomfortable.
Nail Clippers- Getting dirt/blood under your fingernails can't be good, especially if you're fighting zombies.
Toothbrush/toothpaste- Good luck finding a dentist if you don't bring these.
Soap- Aside from the obvious, can make a mediocre shaving lather.
Razors- I need to shave or my skin gets dry and itchy.
Cologne- "I'm not so much of a shower man, more of a cologne man!" - Homer J. Simpson
Bandages/gauze- Small wounds are rather obnoxious, but with proper treatment can be much less annoying.
Tweezers- Good for splinters or plucking that obnoxious unibrow.
Toilet paper- No thanks, I like using my left hand for other things.
Food: Starvation is a big problem that I plan on avoiding.
Dry goods- Just add water foods are very travel friendly once you remove them from the box. We usually have a box of stuffing or two at any given time.
Condensed Soups- Another 'just add water' item. Saves on weight and space.
Other canned goods- Food will not be a guarantee. If i don't have canned items I will certainly be looking for them.
Perishables- Use them while you can!
Storage: I bet you're all wondering how I'm going to carry all of this ****. Though most of these items are not heavy, they take up space.
Backpack- Plenty of pouches, basic carrying device.
Belt Pouch- Small but makes items readily available. Two are set aside for ammo, one for gun tools, the other is empty for whatever I need it for.
Messenger Bags x2- Can be worn over shoulder. They're simple and sturdy and a great way of having supplies easily accessible.
32 oz Water Bottle and Water Skin- Having two bottles for water can keep your potable and non-potable water separate.
Entertainment/Distractions-
Books- Reading for reference/distraction will help keep me educated/sane.
Marine Corps Squad- This is an authentic military guidebook for a Marine unit. Though much of the information may not apply it has important concepts like covering fire, infiltration, and setting up an effective ambush. This is one of those lucky surplus store finds.
New American Bible- Ok, if I'm going to need help here from a higher power, I'm going to need Him for this.
Catechism of the Catholic Church- Just to clear up any moral dilemmas, and useful for setting people straight when they make stupid statements like, "Catholics worship statues and eat babies."
A Book of Five Rings- Musashi makes metaphorical and literal strategy a very short book. Shorter than the Prince or Art of War.
Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Robert A. Bradley- Babies are a very real possibility post Z-day. Midwives may be unavailable.
Battle Royale by Koshun Takami- Dark, but in the end hopeful book. Mostly for my amusement.
Games- Games will be important for maintaining sanity as well as a bit of morale.
Cards- New card games are invented every day. Great form of entertainment.
Dice- Small, portable. Similar to cards in use and playability.
Frisbee- Can be used as a tool for collecting or sorting liquid or small objects. Also a great game to stay physically conditioned. Can be used to keep dice from rolling all over the place.
People: These are individuals I can trust with my life. Their names will not be disclosed.
My Wife-
Experience-
Coast Guard Reserve
Skills-
Firearm Proficiencies: Scored 2 or 3 points short of sharpshooter. Prefers small caliber firearms.
M16 (.223)
MP5 (9mm)
Beretta M9 pistol (9mm)
Sig P229R (.40 S&W)
Remington 870 (12 gauge)
M2 machine gun (.50)
Sewing/Knitting/Needlework
Basic First Aid/CPR
Neighbor One-
Experience-
Military style training
Skills-
Advanced combat tactics
Puzzle solving skills
Mensa Candidate
My ex Roommate-
Experience-
Certified Ford Technician
Computer Programming Training
Skills-
She plays paintball every other weekend so I feel like she would have some semblance of combat tactics.
New Friend 1-
Experience-
Well versed in Russian
Bikes to work and back
Wrestler in High School
New Friend 2-
Experience-
Fluent in Russian and Uzbek (pretty sure)
Experienced Baker
Plans: I'm using operation names for ease of reference and my personal amusement.
Maryland
Threat Level-
1- Suburban (Elkridge/Arbutus)
2-Metropolitan (Baltimore/DC Metro)
3- Statewide- (Maryland)
4- Regional- Mid Atlantic (Delmarva)
5- Coastal- Eastern US
6- National- United States
7-Continental- North America
8- Hemispherical- Western Hemisphere
9- Pandemic- International infection (All but most isolated areas)
10- Global- Zombies everywhere humanity struggles
Government breakdown-
None- Police/military have situation well in hand
Minimal- Law enforcement struggles
Low- Most Police/military are isolated and fairly ineffective
Moderate- Police and military are cut off from government
High- Government exists in small pockets
Total- Anarchy
Infrastructure Breakdown
None- Power/water/and roads operate normally
Minimal- Traffic jams and power outages are common but temporary
Low- Roads are closed, power outages frequent, water can be sporadic
Moderate- Power is out, water shut down, emergency generators still work
High- Katrina level problems
Total- Nothing works, survivors must fend for themselves
Operation: Osprey
Summary- Use Maryland's waterways to eventually arrive in the Chesapeake Bay. Watercraft will be used to travel to Norfolk, Virginia and hopefully eventual safety on a US Navy base/vessel.
Threat Level- <8
Government breakdown- High
Infrastructure breakdown- Total
Operation: Costello
Summary- Gain access to radio tower/broadcast equipment on University of Maryland Baltimore College. Attempt contact with rescue forces. If contact is made, fortify location until extraction.
Threat Level- <4
Government Breakdown- Minimal
Infrastructure Breakdown- Low
Operation: Corridor
Summary- Use highways and back roads to gain access to Fort Meade military base.
Threat Level- <5
Government Breakdown- Moderate
Infrastructure Breakdown- Moderate
Operation: Lafayette
Summary- Use watercraft, highways, and back roads to gain access to Andrew's Air Force Base.
Threat Level- <8
Government Breakdown- Minimal
Infrastructure Breakdown- Moderate
Operation: Bounty
Summary- Travel west to Appalachian mountain range. Set up self sustaining homestead/colony.
Threat Level- <10
Government Breakdown- Total
Infrastructure Breakdown- Total
I realize that having all of these things go right for me even with massive amounts of planning would be very unlikely. However, having a high target to shoot at means I'll aim higher.
Food Production:
Fruit/Vegetable Crops- Most of these crops are widely grown in Maryland.
Apples- Apple trees, if not immediately available, will provide the staple fruit in the long term workings of the operation.
Barley- Barley is a staple for brewing, baking, and animal feed.
Corn- Fast growing crop that depending on the variety can be harvested in summer.
Cucumbers- Fast growing plant. Pickling is a must.
Flax- Used in oils, food, and for production of linen.
Potatoes- Starchy and filling. Another staple crop.
Pumpkins- Gourd with a surprising amount of uses and applications.
Raspberries- Summer berry. Good for preserves.
Soy- Possibly the most useful crop on the planet. From feed, to fuel production soy is the most essential crop to the operation.
Spinach- Good nutritional value. Good fresh or cooked.
Strawberries- Another fruit good for preserves.
Tomatoes- An excellent healthy summer vegetable. Space saving tomatoes can be grown in unlikely spots.
Wheat- Another staple crop with a multitude of uses.
Cash Crops/Luxuries-
Furs
Leather Goods
Tobacco
Animals/Livestock- Animals provide necessary vitamins and proteins to a healthy diet. Most forms of cooking require some sort of animal product. Animals, and animal products are great items for trade.
Cattle- Big consumer of feed, provides both meat and milk.
Chickens- Hens usually lay one to two eggs a day providing a constant source of protein.
Ducks- Another egg laying poultry.
Goats- Better than cattle if resources are sparse, and if terrain is rough.
Honey Bees- Sugar will not be available as a sweetener so honey will have to replace sugar in cooking.
Pigs- Food, and walking garbage disposals.
Fish/Game- Other than domesticated livestock, fish and game can be a supplement to a thriving colony. Game should never be the primary source of sustenance lest nutrition become inconsistent or game populations be over-hunted.
Canadian Geese- Canadian geese live year round in most parts of Maryland, and are a popular game animal.
White-tailed Deer- The most common game animal in Maryland. With a lack of any natural predators, white-tail deer populations have reached pandemic levels causing havoc on highways and in state parks.
Economy: Having a stable economy is key to the long term survival of any colony or city state.
Currency- While barter is sufficient for most small colonies, gold and silver will retain value once people remember their multiple uses as well as their standing as the basis for currency for thousands of years. While paper notes can be issued, all will be backed by actual hard currency. Silver and gold can be melted into bars and/or flat disks, both of which can be stamped as currency.
Occupations- Having specialists is critical for the long term success of the colony.
Blacksmith- Having a metal worker can come in handy.
Brewer- Fermented beverages were essential to maintaining the health of early American colonies.
Doctor
Farmer
Weaver
Defense:
Tactics: Defensive tactics are often dependent on engineering, teamwork and proper planning. History shows us several examples of successful siege defenses, defensive actions and or defensive battles of note.
Battle of Baltimore
Rourke's Drift
Thermopylae
Stalingrad
Operation: Pulaski
Summary- Use watercraft to reach Coast Guard station in Curtis Bay.
Threat Level- <5
Government Breakdown- Minimal
Infrastructure Breakdown- High
Operation: Angel
Summary- Use watercraft to reach Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Threat Level- <5
Government Breakdown- Minimal
Infrastructure Breakdown- Low
Operation: Comet
Summary- Set up homestead/colony/privateering operation on one or two islands in the Chesapeake bay.
Threat Level- <10
Government Breakdown- Total
Infrastructure Breakdown- Total
Island Survival
Privateering- Working as privateers to help protect coastal communities and friendly vessels could help provide protection and security for the region while not being tied to the survival of just one community. This could be done while actively looting and disrupting raider and pirate settlements/vessels.
Hunting/Gathering- Much of the food supply will come from hunting/fishing since most islands are not suitable for large scale livestock. Crops will be essential to the plan but livestock will probably be limited.
Blue Crabs- One of the Bay's best food sources. Hopefully the decline in humanity will allow for a population recovery.
Rockfish (Striped Bass)- A staple Chesapeake fish. Damn delicious at that.
Defense:
Naval Tactics-
Battle of Baltimore
Battle of Constantinople
Salamis
Trafalgar
Under construction...
Akerris |
Latest page update: made by Akerris
, Nov 28 2009, 9:52 AM EST
(about this update
About This Update
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| True_Night | Akerris Survival Plan | 17 | May 4 2011, 10:12 PM EDT by SasquatchJim | ||
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Thread started: May 3 2011, 8:59 PM EDT
Watch
I think this is a fairly solid plan and you've clearly given it a lot of thought. Great grammar, too. I actually read the whole plan, unlike most which I glance over, and I must say, it seems really good.
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| PedroAsani | Comments for Akerris | 16 | Mar 1 2010, 7:36 AM EST by Akerris | ||
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Thread started: Aug 15 2009, 1:12 PM EDT
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This is focussing purely on the briefs you have for the Operations at the end. With the exception of Bounty and Costello, the others follow the path of relying on Goverment assistance in a crisis. That might not be wise or even possible if the outbreak is very large. That said, the use of waterways is one that seems to be frequently overlooked.
Bounty: Do you have the seeds, tools and knowledge stockpiled to do this? And do you have enough canned/dry food to sustain you until the first crop comes in, potentially a full year? Do you know how to preserve a harvest by pickling, canning, etc, and do you know where to find enough jars and bottles to do so? Can you make vinegar, do you know where it comes from? (All these questions and more, I had to answer when making my plan, so I'm not attacking you with problems. The world is, I'm just pointing them out :) And feel free to pillage my plan for answers) Of all the plans, Bounty will be the hardest, the longest, and the most thorough plan you will make. Costello: Aside from the reliance on rescue, is a college campus the best place to go? Densely populated, with (in my opinion) unreliable, scared people. And the equipment, will you be able to access it? Will it have power? |
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| maiocco1 | kudos | 0 | Oct 4 2009, 12:33 PM EDT by maiocco1 | ||
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Thread started: Oct 4 2009, 12:33 PM EDT
Watch
very in depth. i can see many of your same plans being applied to other catastrophies as well. i personally have no intention of trusting big brother, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt. they have some neat toys at their disposal.
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